“I didn’t feel like making lukewarm songs to shake your ass to”: Sexmane’s new album is his most personal yet

“At some point, I might regret what I’ve said,” Sexmane divulges ahead of the launch of his fourth album, Sanansaattaja (Messenger). It’s not because the Finnish rapper’s new tracks are offensive or hurtful, mind you – instead, this album is the deepest, rawest and perhaps even the most vulnerable he has ever been. “I’m very open about my life [in Sanansaattaja], and someone could use that against me one day…,” he trails off. “Either way, this is what I wanted to say right now, and I’m so happy with the outcome.”

I meet Sexmane, or Max Sene, as his real name goes, on a sunny yet chilly day in October, mere weeks away from Sanansaattaja’s release. We settle into cushy sofas on the 15th floor of an eclectic office space in Helsinki, peppered with panoramic city views. Sene, who describes himself as being into fashion but not one to “keep up with any trends at all,” is clad in a vibrant patterned Kenzo knit, crisp white stacked jeans, and tangerine-and-white monogrammed Louis Vuitton sneakers designed by Virgil Abloh.

“I actually just recently sold nearly all of my clothes,” he says. “These are the only decent-looking clothes I have left – otherwise, I’m just going around in my workout gear.” This wardrobe purge, Sene explains, was partly driven by a desire to shift his style and partly due to losing interest in materialism. “I do have a strong vision for my style; I don’t put on just anything – but most important for me is to have comfy clothes that feel good on me,” he says, adding with a laugh, “Except for the stage – there, I like to show off.”

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Sene’s explosive stage presence, combined with his infectious music – featuring rap, trap, pop and R&B-infused elements laced with introspective lyrics – is precisely what has made the 24-year-old one of Finland’s hottest artists. Despite his young age, Sene has already garnered a string of triumphs that many of his peers could only dream of – and that’s not lost on him. Though he exudes a cool and nonchalant vibe, there’s seemingly a grounded and wise soul within him, manifesting in remarks like “I know that this [his career] isn’t forever,” “In the end, it’s just music,” and “I’m aware that ultimately, this career doesn’t matter compared to how important it is to spend time with your loved ones.”

Thoughts similar to these are something Sene explores in Sanansaattaja, a record that chronicles his unique path and experiences that have shaped him as an artist.